How should I ask if a name is a man or woman?

Question

When applying for a job, I sometimes wonder if the HR person is a man or woman because it is hard to tell from the name. In this case, I think I need to call the company to ask about it before sending my cover letter.

How should I ask if the person is a man or woman on the phone? How should I initiate the conversation?

"Hi I'd like to apply for XX position and am wondering if the HR person is a man or woman? The name responsible for the advertisement is x*x x*x." Does this sound funny?

Please give some advice and samples. It will greatly help me in the future.

Answer 1

When addressing the cover letter, rather than writing 'Dear Mr./Ms.', write ' Dear (First name) (Last name)',...  

Answer 2

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Answer 3

You can always start the cover letter with : "Dear Sir or Madam"

Answer 4

What you have seems fine, maybe you could ask to be put through to them - then you'll hear if they are a man or a woman.Then just think up something to ask them

If you don't want to do that I would just explain that you are not sure how to address the letter because you haven't come across the name before when you speak to someone at the company.

Or...try googling the name and see if it comes up with more male or female hits if you know what I mean...

Answer 5

Ask for the person by name or position.